In Canada, a nuclear project capturing the imagination is Darlington SMR. According to a press release from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) on Mau 8th of this year, OPG has received the green light to build North America’s first commercial, grid-scale SMR. Significantly, this project represents the first new nuclear build in Ontario in more than three decades.
By KCI Editorial
Once in service by the end of 2030, the first of four BWRX-300 SMR units will be capable of generating 300 megawatts (MW) of safe, low-carbon, reliable, Ontario- made power—enough to power about 300,000 homes. In total, OPG’s SMR fleet will be capable of producing 1,200 MW of electricity to help support Ontario’s electrification, while serving as a growth platform for Canada’s nuclear supply chain.
“This is truly a historic moment,” said Nicolle Butcher, OPG’s President and CEO. “This made-in-Ontario project will support provincial companies, create jobs for Ontarians, and spur growth for our economy. OPG is proud to be leading this first-of-a-kind project. With the province’s robust nuclear supply chain and our successful track record on nuclear projects, particularly our Darlington Refurbishment, we are confident we will be able to deliver the first SMR unit for Ontario, on-time and on-budget.”
“These projects are at the heart of Canada’s clean energy strategy, delivering safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon power while playing a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” – Laurent Pefferkorn, Executive Vice-President of Velan Inc.
The reactor may be small, but the economic impact of this project is expected to be massive. Deploying and operating four SMRs is expected to increase Canada’s GDP by CAD$38.5 billion over 65 years, according to the Conference Board of Canada. And over the next 65 years, OPG’s SMR fleet is expected to sustain, on average, about 3,700 jobs per year, including 18,000 jobs per year during construction.
About 80% of project spending will go to some 80-plus companies across Ontario and construction of the SMR fleet is expected to drive CAD$500 million annually into the province’s supply chain.
BWRX-300 SMR
A concurrent announcement indicates that GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor had been approved for construction by the Province of Ontario and Ontario Power Generation. The approval clears the way for construction of the first of four planned BWRX-300s at OPG’s Darlington site to begin soon with completion of the first unit scheduled by the end of the decade.
“In deploying the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor, Ontario is leading the way globally in the deployment of SMRs,” said Maví Zingoni, CEO, Power, GE Vernova. “Our work with OPG and project partners will serve as a benchmark for the global nuclear industry.”
“As the world looks to adopt SMR technology, we are proud to be embarking on construction of the first BWRX-300 with OPG, AtkinsRéalis and Aecon” said Lisa McBride, Canada Country Leader, GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH).
“Ontario’s supply chain is expected to contribute significantly to this project bringing substantial economic benefits to the province including the creation of thousands of jobs during manufacturing, construction and operation.”
Velan Selected for Main Services Agreement
Late last year, Velan announced the company had been selected as a supplier by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) for OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project.
Disclosing details of the signing of a Main Services Agreement (MSA) with GEH, Velan indicated that under the agreement, GEH placed an initial purchase order for the development of advanced technology, engineering support, and critical valves essential to the safe and efficient operation of the first BWRX-300 SMR. This order has a provision for three additional units for deployment at the Darlington site in Ontario, with completion expected by 2034. Velan has now secured an advantage to supply future SMRs with similar products in Canada, the United States, and internationally.
“These projects are at the heart of Canada’s clean energy strategy, delivering safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon power while playing a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Velan is proud to contribute its expertise in advanced valve technology to support the development of Small modular reactors, which are set to redefine the future of sustainable energy both in Canada and internationally,” said Laurent Pefferkorn, Executive Vice-President of Velan Inc.